The opening assault of the Battle of Antietam was directed through a small wood lot between the Poffenberger and Miller farms, now known as the North Woods. These woods provided some degree of cover for Union troops encamped here on the night of the 16th, and while they formed their lines for the assault on the morning of the 17th.
These woods, like the West Woods and the bulk of the East Woods, were removed at some point around the turn of the century. They appear in the background of several wartime photos, in particular B811-560, B811-561, and B811-577. As can be seen from the photo, only an open field remains today. However, as with the West Woods, a reforestation project is currently planned, although actual planting has not begun (as per October 1996).
See 3-D image of the region near the North Woods.
See 3-D image of the view from Nicodemus Hill.
See Line of Sight Analysis from Nicodemus Hill.
See Profile Map showing different routes to the Dunker Church.
Goto the previous Tour Stop: Scenes of the Union Right Wing Advance